The BookTok effect
Josh Heuston, best known for his years on the Australian soap Heartbreak High, has now stepped onto the global stage with Prime Video’s Off Campus, a series that translates Elle Kennedy’s popular hockey romance novels to screen.
What caught the actor off guard was the intensity of the fanbase that has grown around the genre. Heuston admits he was surprised by the passionate fandom surrounding hockey romances, a phenomenon he attributes largely to the buzz on BookTok.
Heuston didn’t come into the project unfamiliar with Kennedy’s work; he had read The Deal after landing the role, but the depth of the community’s enthusiasm still took him by surprise.
Working on an international production proved to be a smooth experience for the actor. He found collaborating with the cast and crew from different countries effortless and enjoyable, a contrast to the isolated nature of some local projects.
The series may be nearing its narrative conclusion, as Heuston hints that his character Justin Kohl’s story could be wrapped up in the upcoming episodes, leaving fans to wonder about future arcs.
From soap to streaming
Transitioning from a long‑running Australian drama to a Prime Video original required a shift in scale and audience expectations. Heuston describes the move as both challenging and liberating, allowing him to explore a different kind of storytelling.
The adaptation process involved close collaboration with the show’s writers and producers, who sought to preserve the chemistry of Kennedy’s novels while adding the visual dynamism of a streaming series.
For Heuston, the experience underscores the evolving landscape of romance storytelling, where genre conventions are being reshaped by digital platforms and global audiences.